Global setup · United Arab Emirates
Company Registration in the UAE
Free Zone or Mainland — 100% foreign ownership, residence visas and a competitive corporate tax regime.
Professional fee
Fee on request
- Popular entity
- Free Zone LLC / FZCO
- Registrar
- Free Zone authority or Department of Economy
- Typical timeline
- 1–4 weeks
- Minimum shareholders
- 1
- Local partner
- Not required for most activities
- Corporate tax
- 9% above AED 375,000 taxable income
Overview
The UAE offers Free Zone companies (100% foreign owned, with activities largely within the zone or abroad) and Mainland companies (trade anywhere in the UAE). Most commercial activities now permit 100% foreign ownership on the Mainland too. We help you pick the right zone, licence and visa package.
- Strategic hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
- Residence visas for owners, family and staff
- No personal income tax
- Strong banking and logistics infrastructure
Entity options
Free Zone Company
100% foreign ownership with simplified set-up; ideal for trading, consulting and holding structures.
Mainland LLC
Trade directly across the UAE market and bid for government contracts.
Branch of a foreign / Indian company
Extend your existing company into the UAE without a new legal entity.
The process
- 1
Zone & licence
We match your activity to the right free zone or mainland licence.
- 2
Name & approvals
Trade name reservation and initial approval from the authority.
- 3
Licence issuance
Charter documents signed and trade licence issued.
- 4
Visa & bank
Establishment card, residence visas and corporate bank account support.
Documents required
- Passport copies of shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photographs
- Residential address proof
- Business plan / activity details (for certain zones)
- Board resolution and charter documents (corporate shareholders)
After incorporation
- Annual trade licence renewal
- Corporate tax registration and annual return
- VAT registration once the threshold is crossed
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
- Audited financial statements where required by the zone
India-side compliance
Investing from India? Stay FEMA-compliant.
Indian residents setting up or funding a foreign company must route the investment through an Authorised Dealer bank under the Overseas Investment framework under FEMA. We handle the ODI filings, valuation and annual reporting alongside the overseas incorporation, so both sides of the structure stay compliant.
- Eligibility review under FEMA overseas investment rules
- ODI filing through your AD bank and UIN allotment
- Valuation and pricing documentation where required
- Annual Performance Report and ongoing reporting
Information on this page is indicative and based on generally applicable rules. Requirements, fees and processing times vary by activity and change from time to time — we confirm the current position before you proceed.
FAQ
UAE incorporation questions.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our team usually replies within one working day.
A Free Zone company suits businesses serving international clients or trading through the zone. Mainland is better if you need to sell directly to UAE customers or work with government entities.
Yes. The UAE levies corporate tax at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, with 0% below that threshold. Qualifying Free Zone persons may access a 0% rate on qualifying income subject to conditions.
Yes. Most licences allow residence visas for owners and employees; the number depends on the licence and office package.
Ready to incorporate in UAE? We’ll take it from here.
Tell us what you need. We’ll confirm scope, timeline and a fixed fee — usually the same day.